West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels cuts for four during mMatch five of the Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series between West Indies and Australia at Warner Park, Basseterre, last night.

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BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

Enigmatic right-hander Marlon Samuels produced a classy knock, but perished within reach of his 10th one-day international hundred, as West Indies rebounded in the Tri-Nations Series with a clinical four-wicket victory over Australia here late yesterday evening.

Set 266 for victory at Warner Park, West Indies hardly put a foot wrong as they chased down the target to get home in the 46th over, with Man of the ”Match Samuels stroking 92 from 87 deliveries.

West Indies' victory bid was buttressed by three key partnerships. Charles and Fletcher put on a scorching 74 for the first wicket, before Samuels and Bravo added a further 82 for the third wicket.

Samuels then anchored a crucial 73-run fourth-wicket stand with Ramdin, which put the regional side within touching distance of their target.

Well perched on 240 for four in the 41st over, West Indies lost three quick wickets for 14 runs in the space of 18 deliveries, as an air of nervousness crept into the camp.

Kieron Pollard settled the nerves, however, smashing a four and a six in scoring 16 not out off 12 deliveries, as West Indies won their second game of the tournament to move into second spot on eight points.

Sent in earlier, Australia were powered by opener Usman Khawaja's top score of 98, as they reached 265 for seven off their 50 overs.

Captain Steve Smith struck 74, while George Bailey got 55, but the remainder of the batting struggled to come to terms with the Windies attack.